Corona, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Retaining wall trigger
- Permit required over 2 feet high
- Fence trigger
- Permit required over 3 feet high
- Sign permits
- Governed separately by Ch. 17.74
- Grading work
- Follows Chapter 15.36 permits instead
- Enforcing office
- Building and Inspections Division
- Most recent amendment
- Ordinance 3421, 2025
Summary
Corona requires a valid building permit before any construction, alteration, or demolition work under Corona Code of Ordinances § 15.02.070 (California Building Code § 105.1.3). The rule reaches beyond new buildings to specific triggers like tall retaining walls and fences over three feet.
105.1.3 Permits Required. No person, firm or corporation shall erect, re-erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or other structure in the city, without obtaining a valid building permit prior to commencement of any work. A Building permit is also required for the following specified items: 1. Retaining walls over two feet in height (measured from the top of the footing) and walls of any height if supporting a surcharge or any superimposed load other than the natural fill of level earth. 2. Fence or fences over three feet in height constructed or made of any material including, but not limited to, wood, plastic, metal, chain link, wrought iron, masonry, block, brick or stone.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-56: Supplement contains: Local legislation passed through Ord. 3423, passed 12-3-2025).
Full Breakdown
3 to the California Building Code as adopted locally, stating that no person, firm, or corporation may erect, re-erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish any building or structure in the city without first obtaining a valid building permit. 36. 055. 090, which exempts small detached accessory structures under 120 square feet and fences not over three feet high from permitting, subject to Wildland Urban Interface Code setback rules for structures near other buildings. These amendments were most recently readopted by Ordinance 3421 in 2025.
Violations & Fines
Work performed without the required permit is enforced the same as any other Title 15 violation: the Building Official, Community Development Director, or Code Enforcement Officer can cite the property, and under § 15.70.020 a first offense is an infraction while two or more convictions for Title 15 offenses within a 12-month period elevate to a misdemeanor. Violations are also subject to the general penalty provisions of Chapter 1.08.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Corona require a permit for a backyard fence?
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Corona?
Who enforces Corona's building permit requirements?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Corona
California rules heatmap·Compare Corona to another location·View the California building safety overview
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How other cities in Riverside County handle building permits.